
(image from www.shiseido.co.jp/dp)
In my earlier post on Freeplus, which is Kanebo’s skincare line for sensitive skin, I mentioned that Shiseido’s d Program would be the equivalent. On October 21, most of the basic items in d Program will be revamped.
The main appeal of the d Program range is that the products are free from fragrance, mineral oil, and parabens, and the new products should continue this ethos. According to Nikkei Net, the new releases will focus on caring for “lifestyle sensitive skin“, which refers to skin sensitivity due to lifestyle factors such as daily stress and lack of sleep. The products are designed to be gentle and suitable for fragile and reactive skin.
The new items are divided into three “Programs”: Balance Care Program (for dehydrated oily skin that is occasionally prone to acne, in blue bottles), Acne Care Program (in orange bottles), and Moist Care Program (for dry skin, in pink bottles).
Shiseido’s d Program is sold in Asia, and the website is for information only.
Updated on January 11th, 2010:
Check out Innerchild’s review of Shiseido d Program Conditioning Wash.
Related Posts:
Kanebo Freeplus New Releases
Genre Focus – Whitening Skincare Products
Beauty Spending – Where do you fit into this?

(image from Calvin Klein)
Secret Obsession is one of Calvin Klein‘s latest fragrances. Very different from some of the brand’s recent releases such as the fruity Euphoria, Secret Obsession has a sensual and mysterious edge.
Top notes: exotic plum, mace, rose de damas
Middle notes: Egyptian jasmine, French orange flower, tuberose
Base notes: cashmere woods, burnt amber, Madagascan vanilla, Australian sandalwood
The plum seems to jump out more from the rest of the top notes, and mace adds a touch of spiciness. As the initial spiciness subsides, the scent starts to take on more depth. Despite all the floral middle notes, the core of the scent does not strike me as floral. Instead, it has a subtle wine-like grown-up sensuality.
The drydown, which is lightly woody and pleasantly mellow, does appeal to me. (I personally don’t like very woody base notes.) It has a sophisticated feel without being overly-complicated or pretentious.
Many scents are either fresh and cool or rich and warm, but Secret Obsession seems to strike a balance between the two. Overall, I think this fragrance will appeal to people who enjoy a deep and sensual scent.
Secret Obsession is available in eau de parfum in 30ml, 50ml, and 100ml.
Related Posts:
Bond No. 9 Andy Warhol Lexington Avenue
Escada Moon Sparkle
Bulgari Eau Parfumée au Thé Vert

(all images from www.iswii.net)
Here are a few more photos from Dior’s holiday 2008 collection. The photo above is a close-up of the Holiday Collection Makeup Palette that I mentioned in an earlier post.
The photos below show more palettes from the collection. These are similar to the ones from last year. I am not certain if they are global releases. If the ones from last year were available where you are, chances are that you are probably going to see these new ones later. (By the way, the 2007 ones were sold in the UK, and I’d say I will be expecting to see them in October.)


Related Posts:
Dior Holiday 2008 Collection
Dior Holiday 2008 Update (1)
Dior Holiday 2008 Update (2)

Last month, I mentioned that, being a lilac fanatic, I was very interested in trying Kesalan Patharan‘s Eye Color Palette in S007 from the brand’s fall 2008 collection. I have now tried it for quite a few times and I am ready to share my thoughts with you. (A very brief brand profile of Kesalan Patharan is towards the end of this post.)

From left to right:
– medium lilac with sparkles and some very slight iridescence
– light blue with fine shimmer
– semi-matte aubergine with sparse shimmer
(All shimmer and sparkles are multi-colored.)

First of all, I have to say I am disappointed with the lilac. The powder seems to be on the dry side and lacks adherence to the skin, and it takes some layering to get the color on the eyelids. After that, as I try to gently blend the color, the sparkles start to come off a little. Throughout the day, the finish gradually turns dull and somewhat muddy. It certainly does not look like what you see in the pan.
On the other hand, the other two shades actually perform a lot better. I usually wear a light wash of the blue to go with the lilac, and the color shows up nicely and stays well (no turning dull). I don’t have any problem with the application and the staying power of the aubergine lining shade either.
It is a huge pity that the lilac doesn’t have an optimally flattering finish. Otherwise, this would be a beautiful and easy-to-wear palette and the coloration of the lilac should be very similar to the stunning one in Lunasol’s Sheer Contrast Eyes in Lavender Coral (which still reigns supreme as one of my favorite lilac palettes).
I thought I might talk a little more about the brand here. Kesalan Patharan is one of the few Japanese beauty brands that have an image of a professional beauty line. One of their best-selling products, I believe, is Sheer Micro Powder. It was chosen by Biteki readers as their favorite loose powder (in the February 2007 issue). It also happens to be the loose powder I have been asked about the most by my readers.

(Kesalan Patharan Sheer Micro Powder)
(image from www.kesalanpatharan.co.jp)

(all images from www.joseishi.net/voce/)
Chanel will release its holiday 2008 collection in Japan on October 31st in Japan. The star item is Poudre Précieuse Or (above), which is a loose illuminating powder for the face and the body.
The rest of the collection includes:
– Rouge Allure (6 new shades)

– Aqualumière (1 new shade)

– Lèvres Scintillantes (2 new shades)

– Ombre D’Eau (1 new shade)

– La Ligne de Chanel (eyeliner)

– Le Crayon Yeux (1 new shade)

– Le Vernis (1 new shade)

All items are limited editions except the six new Rouge Allure lipsticks.
I think these items will be released in other Asian countries as well as in Japan. For Chanel’s holiday 2008 release information in the US (which slightly varies), please check out the post at Makeup Bag.
Other Holiday 2008 Information:
Dior
YSL
Bobbi Brown
by PJ on Tuesday, September 23, 2008
in bodycare

(Johnson’s Baby Lotion)
As fall and winter draw near for many of us, the weather is also getting drier and we start to pay more attention to bodycare. Today I am sharing my thoughts on Johnson’s Baby Lotion.
What I like the most about this product is how easy it is to apply and spread, as
it has a very light gel-cream texture, . The main moisturizing ingredients are glycerin and paraffinum liquidum*. (Personally, I don’t like paraffinum liquidum in my skincare products as it is too occlusive for my face (which is oily). But I have no problem with it when it is in a body moisturizer.)
Compared with Dove Body Silk, which has been my favorite body moisturizer for the last few years, Johnson’s Body Lotion takes longer to absorb but both provide long-lasting moisture. Like Johnson’s Baby Lightoil Spray, Johnson’s Body Lotion’s ingredient list is very simple and the product is potentially very suitable for people with sensitive skin (but who are not sensitive to fragrance). (Dove Body Silk contains silicones, which is mainly why the finish is very silky and smooth. Johnson’s Baby Lotion, on the other hand, is silicone-free.)
One other attribute of this body lotion that simply can’t be ignored is the scent. It is the same scent as that of Johnson’s Baby Powder, and it does provoke feelings of warmth and softness.
Overall, Johnson’s Baby Lotion is a gimmick-free and well-formulated body moisturizer. The fact that a little goes a long way and that it is reasonably priced (£2.18 for 300ml and £3.18 for 500ml) makes it a good money-saving product (without compromising quality).
*Contrary to popular belief, paraffinum liquidum (mineral oil) does not clog pores and is considered to be a very non-irritating moisturizing ingredient. It can create the impression of being pore-clogging because of its occusive nature, and, in (particularly) facial moisturizers, it is not an ingredient that will suit everyone, especially those with very oily skin. (Please check here for more information on mineral oil on Paula Begoun’s website.)
Related Posts:
E45 Endless Moisture Range
Can’t Live Without: Garnier Hand Cream (Update)
Kanebo Sensai Premier Range

(all images from www.joseishi.net/voce/)
YSL will release its holiday 2008 collection in Japan on October 31. The star item is “Lip Palette Bow Collection” (seen above, the name can vary in the US and Europe). It includes a lip color of a raspberry shade and a pink lip gloss with iridescent shimmer that can be used as a top coat to help the lip color stay longer. The packaging features both matte and glossy textures of gold, and the lip color and gloss are infused with a fruity mango scent.
The rest of YSL’s holiday 2008 lineup includes:
– Makeup Palette Bow Collection (with shades for eyes and lips, in a case of a clutch-bag design and presented in a black velvet pouch)

– 4-Color Eyeshadow Bow Collection

– Radiant Touch Bow Collection (works as a highlighter, concealer, and a base)

– Golden Touch Bow Collection (adds pink-gold radiance to the complexion)

– Mini Touche Blush (two shades, available in Japan only)

– Rouge Pur (Pure Lipstick, 1 new shade)

– Golden Gloss (1 new shade)

– La Laque (2 new shades)

– Young Sexy Lovely Collector Edition Radiant Eau de Toilette (50ml)

The bow lip palette looks cute but it doesn’t wow me, at least for the moment. What do you think about it in comparison with the heart pendant from holiday 2007?
Related Posts:
YSL Fall 2008 Makeup Collection
YSL Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils
YSL Golden Gloss in Golden Pink